Keel Square Pavilion in Sunderland City Centre being dismantled - here's why
It’s become somewhat of a landmark over the past few months, a focal point for many big events in the city - but Keel Square Pavilion is in the process of being dismantled.
The structure has been the backdrop for many big events in the city, from VE Day commemorations to this year’s big New Year’s Eve celebrations.
The giant screen has also hosted a series of immersive artworks over the past year.
However, the Pavilion was always a temporary structure and is gradually being dismantled ahead of Culture House’s opening this spring.
The structure, developed by Sunderland City Council and created by Building Design Northern (BDN), stands in front of what will be the main entrance for Culture House and was designed as a focal point while building works commenced on the project.
As these latest photos show, taken on March 3, the screen is still in place, with the exhibition space below it now removed.
There’s been delays to Culture House, with the £27m venue originally due to open in Autumn 2025. That date has now been put back to Spring 2026, with details announced earlier this year for an opening performance.
The exact opening day is yet to be announced, but it will feature what’s been dubbed a “spectacular” opening performance with dramatic aerial artists, cinematic projection mapping and more.
As part of the opening event, Southpaw Company, who have studios at Sheepfolds Stables, will host a show-stopping performance inspired by Sunderland’s heritage and its future.
The company, which has delivered ambitious, cutting-edge performances internationally, is creating the bespoke production HOME for the opening, which will include a cast of up to 100 community participants as well as professional dancers.
The interactive event will include live music, dance, aerial performance and cinematic projection mapping on the exterior of the building.
What’s going in Culture House?
A key feature of the four-storey building will be The Atrium, an open plan space intended to be a “living room” where people can meet and relax.
It will stretch all the way from the ground floor to the roof of the building and will include digital screens that can be used for live performance streaming, digital art or immersive storytelling.
It will be home to the City Library, with a huge range of physical and digital books and magazines for people to enjoy, as well as state-of-the-art local history archives and genealogy resources.
Blacks Corner
A branch of Blacks Corner will open on the ground floor of Culture House, following the success of their ventures in Seaburn, Fenwick and East Boldon.
Like their other branches, it will champion local and home-grown British produce, supporting small producers. Expect cheese, wines, a patisserie and more.
The team will also cater for events taking place in the venue, including the Sky Garden overlooking the city.
Galleries
There will be a number of different galleries including the Immersion gallery a cutting edge 360-degree digital story telling space, a green screen studio, perfect for budding filmmakers, content creators and photographers.
Two podcasting studios will also be available for the public to hire alongside a series of workshops on podcasting techniques, storytelling and editing.
A large, adaptable event space will provide a home for talks, gigs, comedy shows and creative gatherings. There will also be an intimate performance area able to host anything from film screenings to gaming battles.
Three additional galleries will host a range of events and exhibitions throughout the year including the Focus gallery which will provide opportunities for local creatives to exhibit.
Play Area and Teen Space
For the little ones, as well as plenty of children’s books, there will be The Den – an area where they can play creatively and enjoy enchanting stories.
The Teen Library space has been co-created with young people using Minecraft as an engagement tool to incorporate their ideas. The space will reflect the young people's vison and include gaming stations, VR headsets, as well as cozy reading nooks and spaces to do homework.
The Sky Garden
The top floor will include a Sky Garden, described as “a lush rooftop oasis perfect for events, workshops or simply unwinding with stunning views.”
In addition, two learning and engagement areas will host a range of classes and workshops throughout the year.
An inventor’s lab will provide a space to upcycle, repair and reinvent old treasures.